These plots create complex emotions. The reader feels sympathy for the heroine, anger towards the hero, and hope for their reconciliation. This mix of emotions draws the reader in more deeply. Consider a story where the hero's secrets hurt the heroine. The reader experiences a range of feelings as they follow the characters through the turmoil of their relationship.
One way is through sincere apology. The hero must realize his mistake and truly feel remorse. He should then communicate his feelings to the heroine openly. For example, in some novels, the hero might write a heartfelt letter or plan a grand gesture to show he's changed.
One such novel could be 'Wuthering Heights'. Heathcliff, the hero in a way, causes a great deal of pain to Catherine, the heroine. Their passionate and tumultuous relationship is full of misunderstandings and actions that wound each other deeply, yet it is a classic in the realm of romance novels.
It usually creates a lot of drama and tension. The heroine might have a hard time trusting the hero again, but it can also lead to the hero's growth and redemption.
These plots are popular as they play on the idea of 'opposites attract'. The hero, who is often seen as the 'bad guy' at first for kidnapping, turns out to have a soft side and falls in love with the heroine. It's a classic trope that has been used in many successful romance novels. It gives a lot of room for character development and emotional growth as the two characters get to know each other under such extreme circumstances.
In romance novels, damaged hero characters bring a lot to the plot. Their damaged state can lead to unique character development. They might start off as closed - off or bitter, but as the story progresses, they open up because of the love interest. This transformation is not only interesting but also gives the plot a sense of progression. Also, their damage can be the source of external conflicts. For example, if a hero has a reputation due to his past, it can cause problems for the relationship. All these elements combined make the plot more complex, multi - layered and ultimately more appealing to readers.
They bring in a sense of mystery. A tortured hero often has secrets. In a romance novel, like in 'The Darkest Minds' series which has some romantic elements, the hero's tortured past makes the heroine (and the reader) want to uncover what happened. This discovery process is part of the plot's development. Also, their pain can make the love story more poignant. When they finally open up to love, it's a more powerful moment.
One common plot is the 'fish out of water' scenario. The Asian heroine might be new to a Western environment and the white hero helps her adapt, which leads to them falling in love. Another plot could be centered around a shared interest or goal that brings them together despite their cultural differences.
Often, the heroine disguises herself to gain access to something she couldn't otherwise. For example, in historical settings, she might disguise as a man to enter a male - only area like a university or a military camp. Then, she meets the hero in this new 'identity'. As the story progresses, there are usually challenges in keeping up the disguise, like almost getting caught. And there's the development of romantic feelings between her and the hero, which becomes complicated because she's not being entirely truthful about who she is.
Typically, in wronged heroine romance novels, the plot starts with the heroine in a difficult situation where she is wronged. For instance, she might be falsely accused or misunderstood. Then, as the story progresses, she often meets the hero. In 'Jane Eyre', Jane meets Mr. Rochester after her time at Lowood School where she was already wronged. Their relationship then develops as they get to know each other, with the wrongs she has endured shaping her character and her approach to love.
The plots of 'captive heroine romance novels' typically unfold in an interesting way. At the start, the heroine is captured, which immediately creates a sense of danger and vulnerability. The captor, who might seem cold or harsh at first, gradually reveals his own story and emotions. The heroine, on her part, tries to either escape or understand her captor. Along the way, there are often small acts of kindness or shared secrets that start to break down the barriers between them. This slow build - up of trust and understanding eventually leads to a romantic relationship.